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Bardstown, KY

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Bardstown, KY

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Demographics

Predominantly WhiteSimpson's Diversity Index: 35
Population13,673
Foreign Born3.2%
Population Density1,129people per mi²
Median Age39.2 yrs
Demographics Trajectory
GrowingSince 2010, this city's population has grown with relatively minor shifts in racial composition.
Current Race / Ethnicity Breakdown
Population Trends

Quality of Life

Overall Quality Of Life
B+
Good

Above-average quality of iife. The area offers a reasonable cost of living, decent mobility, and a mix of neighborhood amenities.

Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.

Cost of Living

74/100

26% below national average

A+

The Real Cost of Living in Bardstown, Kentucky

TierIndividualFamily (4)
Survival $15k$28k
Comfortable $37k$54k
Luxury $90k+$139k+
Elite (Top 5%) $109k+$169k+
Affordability Ratio

91%

The Hood Index™

A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.

A-
Hood Index scan area
Luxury Lean81%
RisksNeutralGrowth
Premium
31
Positive
16
Poor
7
Negative
4

Groceries

2 within 10 miles

0.9mi

Gas

12 within 10 miles

0.5mi

Hospital

1 within 20 miles

4.9mi

Airport

BNA — Nashville International

135mi

Post Office

USPS — Bardstown, KY

1mi

Critical Amenities

Country Clubs

1 private club within 10 miles.

Golf0Nearest 16.7 mi
Camping12Nearest 0.7 mi
Marina0 
Winery0Nearest 14.7 mi
Ice Rink0 
Gun Range0Nearest 11.8 mi

Affluence Level

Overall Affluence Grade
C-
Average

A middle-class area roughly in line with national averages across income, home values, education, and employment.

Median HHI
$50k+4.5%
34% below US avg
Est. Avg Net Worth
$318k
52% below US avg
College Educated
24.7%
29% below US avg
WFH
3.3%
77% below US avg
Homeownership
58.6%
10% below US avg
Median Home
$191k
32% below US avg

Crime

Overall Crime Grade
A-
Very Safe

Lower crime rates than 81% of comparable U.S. locations.

Crime Rate
17.6
Incidents per 1,000 residents
5yr Trend
−41.9%
Overall crime change since 2020

Violent Crime

5yr−53.0%
Homicide
0.00 / 1k Residents100% below state avg
Robbery
0.14 / 1k Residents50% below state avg
Aggravated Assault
0.28 / 1k Residents79% below state avg

Property Crime

5yr−30.9%
Burglary
2.95 / 1k Residents86% above state avg
Larceny-Theft
12.85 / 1k Residents51% above state avg
Motor Vehicle Theft
1.05 / 1k Residents42% below state avg
Source: FBI Crime Data · 2025

Political Climate

Cook PVI: R+20Solidly Conservative

District shown is the primary district for this city’s centroid. Cities may span multiple districts.

Presidential Voting Trends for Bardstown, Kentucky
Dem Rep
20%30%40%50%60%70%2000200420082012201620202024

Personal Sovereignty

Personal Sovereignty measures your capacity for self-reliance and independence with minimal government friction. Higher scores mean fewer barriers between you and the way you want to live... but it assumes you have the space you need and good neighbors.

Overall Sovereignty Grade
B
Self-Reliant

Viable for self-reliance. Generally workable, though some barriers may limit total independence.

State Policy

Tax Burden
C+
Fair9.6% of income
Property Rights
D+
WeakIJ Grade D+
Firearm Rights
A
GreatFPC Grade A
Homeschooling
A-
GoodLow regulation

Energy independence: Importer (60% of energy produced in-state)

Personal Liberty

Raw Milk
D-
RestrictedLimited
Gambling Laws
C+
LimitedTribal · Poker · Sportsbetting
Marijuana Laws
C+
LimitedMedical only

Homesteading

Growing Season201 days291 frost-free
Annual Rainfall58.6"
Elevation659 ft

Strategic Assessment

Strategic Assessment grades tactical survivability using Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation framework. Major population centers, blast zones, natural disasters, and border exposure all drive risk — lower exposure means a more defensible position in a crisis.

Learn more about Strategic Relocation ($)
Overall Strategic Grade
C+
Exposed

Meaningful friction. Expect exposure to either population pressure, blast zones, or natural disaster risk. Consider buying a retreat property.

Strategic Pillars

City Proximity
C-
Weak34 mi to nearest major city
Pop. Density
C-
Weak1,129/sq mi
Fallout Danger
B+
Good2 within ~30 mi
Natural Disaster
C
WeakInland Flooding, Tornado, Strong Wind, Cold Wave, Lightning
Border / Coast
A+
Greatborder 392 mi · coast 457 mi
FEMA Expected Loss$20.0M/yrfor the county

Key Distances

Nearest Major CityLouisville618k people are 34 mi away
Nearest Major AirportNo hub airport within 50 mi
Distance to State Capital41 miFrankfort, KY
Nearest Prison0.9 mi2 within 25 mi

* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-21T09:12:39.000Z

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